Episcopal Church of the Ascension

                         The Church of the Ascension celebrates 140 Years...Why It Matters

On May 18, 1882 Ascension officially opened for worship in Seneca and on Sunday May 22, 2022 a celebratory 140th birthday lunch was held at the Church.  Certainly the members of the Church were happy to mark this occasion, but why should it matter to you?

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Over all those years Ascension has been a place of welcoming worship, first at our location on E. South Second Street in Seneca, now The Blue Ridge Arts Center, and beginning in 1983 at our current location on 214 Northampton Road in Seneca.  While a foundational value is welcoming all to worship, our actions over the years extend Christian mission out into our community and the world.  Today as in the past we strive to fulfill our Mission of being Disciples of Christ Called To Serve Neighbors Near and Far.

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In past years Ascension's members have sent countless clothes and needed household products to victims of the Toccoa dam flood, hurricanes and tornadoes across the country.  We have packed food for Rise Against Hunger, assisted Cange in Haiti to obtain fresh water, school supplies and educational needs.

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Along with the many giving churches in our community, Ascension helped to raise money to build Our Daily Rest homeless shelter, the Oconee Safe Harbor shelter for victims of abuse and participated in the Ministers' Cook-off to support Safe Harbor.  Over the years the Church and our members have donated countless time and treasure to charitable organizations across Oconee County.

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It hasn't always been easy and at one point consideration was being given to closing Ascension; but thanks to the determination of Mrs. Mary Hines, closing was averted.  Later Mrs. Hines' son John would become the Presiding Bishop, head of the Episcopal Church nationally.

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Struggle often makes us stronger and our building today provides a place for the Lake and Mountain Quilters Guild to create beautiful fabric art, and for Golden Corner Respite to provide a few hours of relief for caregivers of those with dementia. In front of the Church we maintain a Little Food Pantry stocked with food items for any in need.  Our Outdoor Chapel and Labyrinth are always open to all for quiet meditation.

 

We are blessed to have been able to worship and serve our community for over 140 years and look to extend our blessings well into the future.  Please rejoice with us, all are always welcome.